The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in the sum of ₦100 million, with one surety of equal value.
El-Rufai, who admitted on national television to wiretapping National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is facing prosecution by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly breaching national security.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik imposed several conditions before bail can be perfected. The surety must reside in Maitama or Asokoro, deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy of a landed property, and be a federal civil servant of Grade Level 17 or above.
The surety must also provide proof of salary payments for three months, authenticated by a branch bank manager, and submit a tax clearance certificate for the last six months.
Furthermore, the surety is required to swear to an affidavit of means, sign a bail bond, and provide a recent passport photograph.
El-Rufai has been ordered to surrender all valid passports to the court. He must also submit a letter of attestation from the Chairman of the Kaduna State Traditional Council.
Reporting Obligations and Trial
Justice Abdulmalik directed El-Rufai to report to DSS headquarters on the last Friday of every month by 10 a.m. to sign the attendance register until the case concludes.
The judge cautioned that any breach of these conditions would lead to immediate revocation of bail. She also ordered an accelerated hearing of the case.
The ruling underscores the seriousness of the charges and the court’s intent to ensure accountability while allowing the defendant conditional freedom.
El-Rufai is a strong member of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), and his absence appears to have stalled the momentum in the opposition camp.
Only on Saturday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar warned against the continued incarceration of Mr. El-Rufai, an appeal the government appears now to have heeded.
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